1989 Mazda Standard Cab Pickup - Mooneye Cruiser

Old-School Cool

At times, enthusiasts lose track of the important points about building a mini-truck. David Hughes of Mount Carmel, Tennessee, built a Mazda that reassures us there are still free thinkers out there who will not take another person's opinion as their own. He built his ride the way he wanted it. No body drop was needed to make this ride "fit in" with the mini-truckin' culture. The distinct styling found throughout David's ride shows that you don't need to copy everyone else to have a custom ride. From the custom front grille to the louvered hood, cowl, and roll pan, this truck has its own way of expressing itself. Follow along as we go through what makes this truck a cruiser with a ton of style.

Owner:

David Hughes

Ride:

’89 Mazda standard cab

Hometown:

Mount Carmel, Tennessee

The LowdownChassis/Suspension Bringing down the Mazda was made possible by installing 8-inch Scrub City hydraulic cylinders at each corner. The front stock torsion bars were removed and custom control arms were installed in their place. The rear has been C-notched, and AIM 3-inch drop leaf springs were installed with Gabriel shocks. D & D Rod and Custom in Church Hill, Tennessee, performed all of the suspension work on the truck. To make wheel selection easier, the hubs were re-drilled to five-lug, and a '70 Ford Maverick rearend was used.

Body Mods/Paint Some of the distinct mods made on the truck were made directly to the body, including a smooth grille shell and Nissan Altima door handles. The side panels behind the doors, the taillights, and the tailgate and wiper cowl openings were all shaved. Louvers were added to the hood, cowl, front bed wall, and roll pan. Keeping with the trend of using parts from different vehicles, Yamaha mirrors and a Toyota chrome 4x4 bumper were used. A sliding ragtop, Billet rod-style taillights, and a frenched antenna round out the additions. The truck was painted two-tone with PPG Black and Dodge Dakota Silver. Pro Body Shop in Kingsport, Tennessee, performed the bodywork and paintjob.

Interior/Audio Driving space was made more comfortable by covering the dash and bench seat in gray tweed. Louvered panels were also added to the dash and door panels. David completed all of the upholstery work. The audio system consists of a Sony head unit, a Pioneer equalizer, Hi-Phonics amplifiers, and a 10-inch Rockford Fosgate Punch subwoofer, all installed by Leon Doran of D & D Rod and Custom.

Engine Performance items installed under the hood include a Weber carburetor, an Accel spark coil, Bosch plug wires, and a Pacesetter Header. A chrome valve cover and air cleaner give the engine bay some added shine, along with some paint and other chrome detail work.

Special Thanks To David's wife Kristie for putting up with shim all these years.